A Creative Spirit
I don’t mind queueing, honestly, providing there are clear rules as to "who" goes in "what" order. Your expectations are then managed accordingly, as you stand and wait. Of course, someone will inevitably try to queue-jump. This is usually a little old Portuguese lady knee-high to a grasshopper, who with head down elbows her way... Continue Reading →
Are you taking part in the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge? This week's theme is Curiosity. My favorite area of Lisbon is not the trendy modern development by the waterfront which houses designer shops and stylish restaurants, but the Alfama quarter with its outstanding views and medieval alleyways. On our last trip to Lisbon we wandered... Continue Reading →
There was a cookery program on TV a few months ago which inspired to make this easy loaf. I've never tried to cook one before but this loaf looked pretty 'foolproof', or was it? Cookery programs are great but why, when I cook the same recipe, does it never look the same? Do you experience... Continue Reading →
I went to the local flea market on Sunday; I needed to buy some English books and Broadbean seeds. However, I was immediately distracted from my “mission” by a couple of piglets which an old Portuguese farmer was trying to sell. They do not normally sell livestock at this market so I was really surprised.... Continue Reading →
Are you going to take part in the new WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge? Each week, WordPress will provide a theme for our “creative inspiration”. Simply take photographs based on your interpretation of the theme, and post them on your blog anytime before the following Friday when the next photo theme will be announced. Ok my... Continue Reading →
This recipe was really simple to cook and absolutely delicious. However, tracking down cranberries in Lyon proved problematic. I thought cranberries were in vogue but apparently not in this gastronomic centre. Eventually, after several fruitless forays to some local supermarkets (and not to beaten) we made the "pilgrimage" to the "English" Food shop aptly named... Continue Reading →
Living in a country where English is not the first language certainly takes you out of your comfort zone, especially when it comes to food shopping. Imagine walking into a supermarket and suddenly there are none of your favourite foods and familiar brands; throw the added complication of language into the mix and you may... Continue Reading →
What makes a "Perfect Sunday" when every day is the same? When you retire early - days, weeks and months are only punctuated by special events and highlights as one day merges with the next. Early retirement in the sun may seem idyllic but in reality you no longer have the anticipation of the Monday... Continue Reading →
Rosemary aka ClassyRose was my first “blogging buddy” from the wordpress challenge. When I made a "shout out" for some recipes ClassyRose immediately came to the rescue and emailed this recipe for "Dutch Coffee Cake". I was a little confused by the name as I could not find any “coffee” in the list of ingredients. However,... Continue Reading →
I am rarely lost for words but on this occasion I was almost speechless. To set the scene we had been walking around Lyon (France) taking numerous photographs in sub-zero temperatures and I was desperate for a hot cup of coffee and the loo (toilet). Frozen to the bone we decided to stop at a... Continue Reading →
During my recent visit to France I decided to try a simple traditional French recipe "Tarte à la tomate et au chèvre " My host was a little unsure how traditional adding grated cheese was but it certainly added flavour and a new "take" on this traditional recipe. I really enjoy food shopping in France... Continue Reading →
Two weeks into the New Year and I need to reconsider my decision NOT to make dieting one of my New Year's Resolutions but exercise more. My resolve to exercise "more" was going really well until I developed tennis elbow, which means I am unable to swim and I also twisted my knee so I... Continue Reading →
Stuck in a "culinary rut" one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to research and cook one new recipe each week; photograph the results, both successes and failures, and post to my blog. On reflection I should have named myself "Squirrel" not Piglet as I hoard tins, jars and packets of this and that in... Continue Reading →
One of my passions is gardening and the Gazanias reward me with an ongoing display of unusual daisy-like flowers twelve months of the year. These photos were taken today after weeks of showers, gales and heavy rain. I was amazed any had actually survived such an onslaught, so with a break in the weather I... Continue Reading →
Stuck in a "culinary rut" one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to research and cook one new recipe each week; photograph the results, both successes and failures, and post to my blog. Considering I absolutely adore food, hence the name Piglet, I can’t believe I have become so lazy in the kitchen! The recipe... Continue Reading →
Today's post is about the Red Palm Weevil as I wanted to bring to your attention to the devastating effect this little critter is having on the palms as it munches its way across the world. The lack of action in containing the spread of this weevil by some authorities is inexcusable. I was not... Continue Reading →
Men make me smile in that when they are wrong they rarely admit it, and when they do, it's your fault they were wrong in the first place! When I'm right and they are wrong I try hard not to smile and say I told you so. Now if you are a man reading this... Continue Reading →
Although not a surfer or sun worshipper I love beaches. The sound of the waves and the magic of the sunlight dancing on the water is so relaxing - almost hypnotic that I can lose myself for hours just sitting looking out to sea, fishing or walking along the shoreline lost in thought. A couple... Continue Reading →
Every year we make New Year’s Resolutions, but why? How many of these “resolutions” do we actually achieve? I am pleased to say that last year one of my resolutions was to start a blog about life in Portugal. It was quite a challenge for a “technomuppet” such as me, especially as six months before... Continue Reading →
Piglet in Portugal 